The forest management policy of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL-JNF) focuses on sustainable forestry practices that preserve Israel’s unique biodiversity and ecological balance. This strategy is rooted in adaptive management principles, emphasizing minimal intervention, reliance on natural processes, and the use of native species to maintain ecological integrity.
Key objectives include supporting Israel’s distinctive biological diversity, protecting native tree species, and restoring damaged habitats. To achieve these goals, KKL-JNF implements thinning and reforestation activities, particularly in mature or degraded forests, following ecological surveys. These surveys identify endangered, rare, and protected plant species, as well as unique habitats, ensuring that conservation priorities guide forest management decisions.
In southern Israel, KKL-JNF manages special habitats such as kurkar ridges, deep soils, and loess plains. Over the past five years, ecological surveys have revealed valuable forests like Kiryat Gat where red species such as Salvia eigii, Allium schubertii and Bellevalia warburgii where found. Notably, in Ruhama, Kisufim, and Be’eri forest host populations of endangered species like Anthemis philistea and Galium philistaeum, and the largest population of the rare species Valerianella pumila was discovered in Nahal Habshor forest.
KKL-JNF is committed to preserving and enhancing biodiversity, investing in research and management practices that balance conservation with public access and enjoyment of forested areas.
